high up that river as your force and means of
supplying will admit of.

"Your landing will probably have to be made at Brazos, but
you will learn more fully upon that matter on your arrival.
We will have to observe a strict neutrality towards Mexico,
in the French and English sense of the word. Your own good
sense and knowledge of international law, and experience of
policy pursued towards us in this war teaches you what will
be proper.

"Signed, U. S. GRANT, _Lieutenant-General._

"Official: Signed, GEO. K. LEET, A. A. G."

In the meantime General Grant sent the following dispatches to Generals
Halleck and Weitzel:

"WASHINGTON, May 18th, 1865, 12.40 P. M.,

"MAJOR-GENERAL H. W. HALLECK, Richmond Va.

"Please direct Major-General Weitzel commanding 25th Army
Corps to get his corps in readiness for embarkation at City
Point immediately upon the arrival of ocean transportation.
He will take with him forty (40) days rations for twenty
thousand men, one-half of his land transportation and
one-fourth of his mules with the requisite amount of forage
for his animals. All surplus transportation and other public
property he may have he will turn over to the depots at City
Point.

"By command of Lieutenant-General Grant.

"Signed, JOHN A. RAWLINS,

"_Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff._

"Official. Signed, GEORGE K. LEET, A. A. G."

* * * * *

"WASHINGTON, May 21st, 1865.

"MAJOR-GENERAL G. WEITZEL, Commanding 25th A. C.

"As soon as your corps is embarked you will proceed with it
to Mobile Bay, Ala., and report to Major-General Steele for
further orders.

"In addition to rations, ammunition, and other articles
which you have received directions to take with you, you
should take a fair quantity of intrenching tools.

"Signed, U. S. GRANT, _Lieutenant-General._

"Official, Signed, GEORGE K. LEET, A. A. G."

On the 24th of May the 25th Corps began embarking for Texas by way of
Mobile Bay. The troops, however, occupied Texas but a short time, the
confederate forces there surrendering upon the same terms as those of
General Lee. All fears having been dissipated, the troops were slowly
must